Motorists within the St. Louis area have another option to get real-time travel information on regional interstate highways and major state routes this month when MoDOT launches its 511 service in St. Louis.

The service will allow travelers to get the latest information on roadway conditions simply by dialing “511.” Travelers in Illinois or the rest of Missouri can access the same travel information for St. Louis by dialing 877-478-5511, which is 877-4STL-511.

Although this isn’t the first voice-operated travel information service for St. Louis, it is the first to incorporate the nationally recognized 511-telephone number for the service.

“The 511 service is one of many tools to reduce congestion along St. Louis interstate highways and major routes,” said Tom Blair, St. Louis assistant district engineer.  

This traveler information service will not replace the personal touch of live voices in the Customer Service department though.

“Customer service helps manage traffic by getting information on obstructed lanes, potholes and other driving hazards as well as getting that info to the people who can fix those travel issues,” said Teresa Krenning, St. Louis Transportation Management Center manager. “However, customer service doesn’t have the manpower or time to give information on highway congestion in addition to their regular duties, so that’s why this real-time travel information tool is so valuable.”

The 511-travel information service expands the current Gateway Guide services. Motorists can obtain the latest travel information, including average traffic speeds, current incidents and construction zones before they leave from home or work by using the Gateway Guide Web site. As these travelers head toward their destination, they can get additional information about congestion on the roads ahead from overhead message boards on interstates. Travel information from 511 will allow motorists to determine what traffic will be like, in real time, on other highways along their route. This lets them make smart choices to modify their route if needed.

MoDOT is partnering with Traffic.com to provide the service to the region at no cost to the department or Missouri taxpayers.

“Our 511 service is the first service that is truly free, while many states are paying lots of money to get expanded travel information services,” Blair said. “This public/private partnership between MoDOT in St. Louis and Traffic.com will be a model for other states in the future.”

Not only will this project be the benchmark for free 511 services to other states, but it also opens the door for 511 service across Missouri. However, there is no formal timeline to bring 511 statewide.